US20080284593A1 - Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems - Google Patents
Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080284593A1 US20080284593A1 US11/804,124 US80412407A US2008284593A1 US 20080284593 A1 US20080284593 A1 US 20080284593A1 US 80412407 A US80412407 A US 80412407A US 2008284593 A1 US2008284593 A1 US 2008284593A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- person
- detection
- people
- detection event
- timer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
- G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
- G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
- G08B13/2465—Aspects related to the EAS system, e.g. system components other than tags
- G08B13/2468—Antenna in system and the related signal processing
- G08B13/2471—Antenna signal processing by receiver or emitter
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
- G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
- G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
- G08B13/2465—Aspects related to the EAS system, e.g. system components other than tags
- G08B13/248—EAS system combined with another detection technology, e.g. dual EAS and video or other presence detection system
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to electronic security systems, and in particular, to an improved system and method for power management of electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) systems.
- EAS electronic article surveillance
- EAS systems are detection systems that allow the identification of a marker or tag within a given detection region. EAS systems have many uses, but most often they are used as security systems for preventing shoplifting in stores or removal of property in office buildings. EAS systems come in many different forms and make use of a number of different technologies.
- a typical EAS system includes an electronic detection unit, tags and/or markers, and a detacher or deactivator.
- the detection units can, for example, be formed as pedestal units, buried under floors, mounted on walls, or hung from ceilings.
- the detection units are usually placed in high traffic areas, such as entrances and exits of stores or office buildings.
- the tags and/or markers have special characteristics and are specifically designed to be affixed to or embedded in merchandise or other objects sought to be protected.
- the EAS system sounds an alarm, a light is activated and/or some other suitable alert devices are activated to indicate the removal of the tag from the prescribed area.
- EAS systems operate with these same general principles using either transceivers, which each transmit and receive, or a separate transmitter and receiver.
- the transmitter is placed on one side of the detection region and the receiver is placed on the opposite side of the detection region.
- the transmitter produces a predetermined excitation signal in a tag detection region. In the case of a retail store, this detection region is usually formed at an exit.
- the tag When an EAS tag enters the detection region, the tag has a characteristic response to the excitation signal, which can be detected.
- the tag may respond to the signal sent by the transmitter by using a simple semiconductor junction, a tuned circuit composed of an inductor and capacitor, soft magnetic strips or wires, or vibrating magneto acoustic resonators.
- the receiver subsequently detects this characteristic response.
- the characteristic response of the tag is distinctive and not likely to be created by natural circumstances.
- EAS detection units An important consideration in connection with the use of such EAS systems is to minimize the power usage of the EAS detection units. Once powered on, current EAS systems operate continuously to create and monitor detection regions or zones. Since the power required to transmit interrogation signals is large compared with the power consumption of other parts of an EAS system, significant power reductions can be realized by deploying a smart EAS system that manages the amount of time that the transmitters operate.
- the present invention advantageously provides a method for power management in a security system, which method for power management includes establishing a detection region, triggering a person detection event that is based on the detection of a person in the detection region, starting a timer upon triggering the person detection event, and transmitting a tag interrogation signal until the expiration of the timer.
- the method can further include determining a relative direction of movement of the person.
- the present invention provides a system for power management in a security system, which system for power management includes a transmitter for producing an applied field in a selected region, a sensor for detecting a person passing through the selected region, and a processor, which operates to trigger a person detection event that is based on the detection of a person in the detection region, to start a timer upon detecting the person detection event, and to transmit a tag interrogation signal until the expiration of the timer.
- the present invention provides a computer program product that includes a computer usable medium having a computer readable program for power management in a security system, which when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform a method that includes establishing a detection region, triggering a person detection event that is based on the detection of a person in the detection region, starting a timer upon triggering the person detection event, and transmitting a tag interrogation signal until the expiration of the timer.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic article surveillance system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of an EAS detection unit of the electronic article surveillance system of FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a diagram of a controller of an EAS detection unit of the electronic article surveillance system of FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a diagram of an alternate embodiment of a controller of an EAS detection unit of the electronic article surveillance system of FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of an exemplary power management process in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 a diagram of an exemplary system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally as “100”.
- Electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) system 100 includes EAS detection units 102 , 104 positioned generally in parallel and at a spaced distance from one another.
- EAS detection unit 102 can include a transmitter 202 ( FIG. 2 ) and a transmitting antenna 204 ( FIG. 2 ) for producing the electromagnetic fields that are used in conjunction with such systems to detect the presence of a tag, such as tags 106 and 108 affixed to merchandise to be protected.
- the other EAS detection unit 104 includes a receiver 206 ( FIG. 2 ) and a receiving antenna 208 ( FIG.
- EAS system 100 can create a detection region 110 in retail space 112 .
- Detection region 110 can include valid alarm region 114 and over-range or backfield region 116 .
- a store exit 118 also can be located within detection region 110 .
- one of the EAS detection units 102 , 104 preferably the EAS detection unit 104 that includes receiver 206 ( FIG. 2 ), provides a sensor system 120 that includes sensors 120 A, 120 B (collectively referred to herein as sensor system 120 as used herein) that is capable of detecting the presence of someone exiting or entering the store between the EAS detection units 102 , 104 of the EAS system 100 .
- the sensor system 120 is capable of detecting the relative direction of a person's movement as that person enters or exits the store.
- a variety of people detection technologies such as sensors that provide a beam can be used for this purpose, e.g., infrared beam sensors, or other people detection sensors such as photoelectric sensors, body heat sensors, and even floor switches, as desired.
- sensor system 120 can be deployed at various locations of EAS system 100 .
- sensor system 120 can be deployed in EAS detection units 102 , 104 , building posts, door frames and ceilings.
- the sensor system 120 is electrically connected to the receiver 206 ( FIG. 2 ) of the EAS system 100 so that the EAS system 100 can be informed when a person 122 , e.g., a shopper, passes between the EAS detection units 102 , 104 and crosses a people detection line 124 in detection region 110 in an “out” direction or an “in” direction.
- a person 122 e.g., a shopper
- person 122 is shown located in valid detection region 114 at a point past the people detection line 124 while person 126 is shown located in valid detection region 114 at a point prior to the people detection line 124 .
- person 122 causes a people detection event, which in this case is a “people detection out” event because person 122 has crossed detection line 124 in the out direction.
- person 126 does not generate a people detection event because person 126 has not crossed detection line 124 .
- person 126 causes a people detection event which in this case is a “people detection in” event.
- the EAS system 100 user e.g., a retail store operator
- the user may define the crossing of detection line 124 in the “in” direction, as a non-detection event.
- the crossing of people detection line 124 in the “in” direction is not in a transmission enablement direction.
- a single EAS detection unit 102 is supplied that uses a transceiver 202 ( FIG. 2 ) and a transceiver antenna 204 ( FIG. 2 ) to establish detection region 110 by producing the electromagnetic fields that are used to detect the presence of tags, such as tags 106 and 108 , affixed to merchandise to be protected.
- transceiver 202 and transceiver antenna 204 also function to receive a disturbance in the produced electromagnetic field of EAS detection unit 102 .
- FIG. 2 shows EAS detection unit 102 deployed in a pedestal, the transceiver 202 and/or the transceiver antenna 204 or both can be deployed on a door that is located at a store exit 118 .
- transceiver antenna 204 radiates the appropriate electromagnetic or radio frequency field to produce the detection region 110 .
- the controller 210 executes one or more processes associated with EAS applications.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of controller 210 of EAS detection units 102 , 104 .
- the controller 210 is used to analyze detection data generated by the sensor system 120 and signals received by the receiver 206 to determine the presence of a tag 106 between the EAS detection units 102 , 104 of the EAS system 100 .
- the controller 210 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operations of EAS system 100 and may be, for example, a central processing unit (“CPU”), an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) or a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”).
- the controller 210 also controls the activation or enablement of the transmitters, e.g., transmitter 202 , for all the various configurations of EAS system 100 .
- the controller 210 also controls various registers and counters such as people detection event registers and transmit timers, e.g., “TX_ON_Timer”, each of which relates to the operation of EAS system 100 . These registers and timers can be located in controller 210 or in other memory of EAS system 100 that is in communication with controller 210 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates a single controller 210 in EAS system 100 , multiple controllers 210 may be used according to particular implementation needs, and reference to controller 210 is meant to include multiple controllers 210 where applicable.
- transmitter 202 remains in a deactivated state, until it receives the transmit enable command signal from the controller 210 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate design of the controller 210 of EAS detection units 102 , 104 of the EAS system 100 .
- an EAS system controller 402 can perform EAS system operations, such as processing the signals received by the receiver 206 to determine the presence of a tag 106 between the EAS detection units 102 , 104 of the EAS system 100 .
- a separate power controller 404 controls the activation or enablement of the transmitters, e.g., transmitter 202 .
- the power controller 404 controls the various registers and counters such as people detection event registers and transmit timers, e.g., “TX_ON_Timer”, each of which relates to the operation of the transmitters 202 of EAS system 100 .
- transmitter 202 remains in a deactivated state, until it receives the transmit enable command signal from the power controller 404 .
- a motion detector or people sensor 120 is illustrated mounted near the top of a store exit/entrance that is defined by EAS units 102 , 104 that are integrated into two pillars or support columns.
- sensor 120 is an infrared beam sensor, which defines the people detection line 124 .
- People detection line 124 serves as an event trigger point to notify controller 210 to produce a people detection event when a person crosses the people detection line 124 .
- the present invention further provides a means to determine the movement of people 122 , 126 within detection region 110 via sensor system 120 .
- multiple sensors, e.g., 120 A and 120 B, of sensor system 120 can create one or more people detection lines or points 124 .
- an event signal is generated and processed by the controller 210 to determine the relative direction of the person.
- FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 500 for power management of EAS system 100 using a sensor system 120 .
- Exemplary method 500 is discussed with reference to EAS system 100 , however, any other suitable system or portion of a system may use appropriate embodiments of method 500 to retrieve and process EAS information to manage the power consumption of EAS detection units 102 , 104 in EAS detection region 110 .
- method 500 describes a person 126 entering a detection region 110 and passing through a people detection line or point 124 to enable a transmitter 202 to transmit communication signals, e.g., interrogation signals, for a predetermined amount of time, such as the duration of a transmitter timer.
- communication signals e.g., interrogation signals
- Exemplary method 500 begins at step S 502 , where a determination is made as to whether a people detection event has occurred, such as when a person 122 passes or crosses a people detection line or point 124 .
- a people detection event can be defined to include all occurrences in which a person passes or crosses a people detection line or point 124 , or it can be limited to include only those cases where the crossing of the people detection line 124 occurs in a certain direction, e.g., the “out” direction.
- persons 122 , 126 are shown in a valid detection region 114 of detection region 110 .
- person 126 is shown located prior to the people detection line 124 , while person 122 is shown having crossed the people detection line 124 in the “out” direction.
- person 122 causes a people detection event to occur which causes a people detection event flag to be set at step S 504 . If no people detection event is detected, then step S 502 is repeated until a people detection event occurs.
- the people detection event causes a transmitter timer to be reset or cleared and then started.
- a transmitter timer flag can be set at step S 508 .
- a transmitter e.g., transmitter 202
- a transmitter is enabled or activated to transmit or radiates the appropriate electromagnetic or radio frequency field to produce the detection region 110 . If the transmitter timer has expired, the transmitter is disabled (step S 514 ), and the process returns to step S 502 to wait for the next people detection event. Otherwise, if the transmitter timer has not expired, the transmitter remains enabled and continues to transmit its appropriate electromagnetic or radio frequency field.
- Transmitter timer is a timer that provides a time period for transmitter operation that can be predetermined and defined by the EAS system user.
- the present invention advantageously provides and defines a comprehensive system and method for managing power consumption in an EAS system using people detection technologies such as infrared beam sensors.
- the present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.
- An implementation of the method and system of the present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computing system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system, or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein, is suited to perform the functions described herein.
- a typical combination of hardware and software could be a specialized or general-purpose computer system having one or more processing elements and a computer program stored on a storage medium that, when loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.
- the present invention can also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which, when loaded in a computing system is able to carry out these methods.
- Storage medium refers to any volatile or non-volatile storage device.
- Computer program or application in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- n/a
- n/a
- The present invention generally relates to electronic security systems, and in particular, to an improved system and method for power management of electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) systems.
- Electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) systems are detection systems that allow the identification of a marker or tag within a given detection region. EAS systems have many uses, but most often they are used as security systems for preventing shoplifting in stores or removal of property in office buildings. EAS systems come in many different forms and make use of a number of different technologies.
- A typical EAS system includes an electronic detection unit, tags and/or markers, and a detacher or deactivator. The detection units can, for example, be formed as pedestal units, buried under floors, mounted on walls, or hung from ceilings. The detection units are usually placed in high traffic areas, such as entrances and exits of stores or office buildings. The tags and/or markers have special characteristics and are specifically designed to be affixed to or embedded in merchandise or other objects sought to be protected. When an active tag passes through a tag detection region, the EAS system sounds an alarm, a light is activated and/or some other suitable alert devices are activated to indicate the removal of the tag from the prescribed area.
- Common EAS systems operate with these same general principles using either transceivers, which each transmit and receive, or a separate transmitter and receiver. Typically the transmitter is placed on one side of the detection region and the receiver is placed on the opposite side of the detection region. The transmitter produces a predetermined excitation signal in a tag detection region. In the case of a retail store, this detection region is usually formed at an exit. When an EAS tag enters the detection region, the tag has a characteristic response to the excitation signal, which can be detected. For example, the tag may respond to the signal sent by the transmitter by using a simple semiconductor junction, a tuned circuit composed of an inductor and capacitor, soft magnetic strips or wires, or vibrating magneto acoustic resonators. The receiver subsequently detects this characteristic response. By design, the characteristic response of the tag is distinctive and not likely to be created by natural circumstances.
- An important consideration in connection with the use of such EAS systems is to minimize the power usage of the EAS detection units. Once powered on, current EAS systems operate continuously to create and monitor detection regions or zones. Since the power required to transmit interrogation signals is large compared with the power consumption of other parts of an EAS system, significant power reductions can be realized by deploying a smart EAS system that manages the amount of time that the transmitters operate.
- What is needed is a method and system that can be used to reduce power consumption of EAS systems, particularly by managing transmitter power consumption.
- In accordance with one aspect, the present invention advantageously provides a method for power management in a security system, which method for power management includes establishing a detection region, triggering a person detection event that is based on the detection of a person in the detection region, starting a timer upon triggering the person detection event, and transmitting a tag interrogation signal until the expiration of the timer. The method can further include determining a relative direction of movement of the person.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a system for power management in a security system, which system for power management includes a transmitter for producing an applied field in a selected region, a sensor for detecting a person passing through the selected region, and a processor, which operates to trigger a person detection event that is based on the detection of a person in the detection region, to start a timer upon detecting the person detection event, and to transmit a tag interrogation signal until the expiration of the timer.
- In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product that includes a computer usable medium having a computer readable program for power management in a security system, which when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform a method that includes establishing a detection region, triggering a person detection event that is based on the detection of a person in the detection region, starting a timer upon triggering the person detection event, and transmitting a tag interrogation signal until the expiration of the timer.
- Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
- A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic article surveillance system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of an EAS detection unit of the electronic article surveillance system ofFIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a controller of an EAS detection unit of the electronic article surveillance system ofFIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a diagram of an alternate embodiment of a controller of an EAS detection unit of the electronic article surveillance system ofFIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and -
FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of an exemplary power management process in accordance with the principles of the present invention. - Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in
FIG. 1 a diagram of an exemplary system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally as “100”. Electronic article surveillance (“EAS”)system 100 includesEAS detection units EAS detection unit 102 can include a transmitter 202 (FIG. 2 ) and a transmitting antenna 204 (FIG. 2 ) for producing the electromagnetic fields that are used in conjunction with such systems to detect the presence of a tag, such astags EAS detection unit 104 includes a receiver 206 (FIG. 2 ) and a receiving antenna 208 (FIG. 2 ), which then operate to detect a disturbance (resulting from the presence of an active tag 106) in the electromagnetic fields produced by theEAS detection unit 102. Detection of anactive tag system 100 can create adetection region 110 in retail space 112.Detection region 110 can includevalid alarm region 114 and over-range orbackfield region 116. Astore exit 118 also can be located withindetection region 110. - Additionally, one of the
EAS detection units EAS detection unit 104 that includes receiver 206 (FIG. 2 ), provides asensor system 120 that includessensors sensor system 120 as used herein) that is capable of detecting the presence of someone exiting or entering the store between theEAS detection units EAS system 100. Thesensor system 120 is capable of detecting the relative direction of a person's movement as that person enters or exits the store. A variety of people detection technologies such as sensors that provide a beam can be used for this purpose, e.g., infrared beam sensors, or other people detection sensors such as photoelectric sensors, body heat sensors, and even floor switches, as desired. These sensors can be deployed at various locations ofEAS system 100. For example,sensor system 120 can be deployed inEAS detection units sensor system 120 is electrically connected to the receiver 206 (FIG. 2 ) of theEAS system 100 so that theEAS system 100 can be informed when aperson 122, e.g., a shopper, passes between theEAS detection units people detection line 124 indetection region 110 in an “out” direction or an “in” direction. - In
FIG. 1 ,person 122 is shown located invalid detection region 114 at a point past thepeople detection line 124 whileperson 126 is shown located invalid detection region 114 at a point prior to thepeople detection line 124. In operation, as discussed in more detail with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 below,person 122 causes a people detection event, which in this case is a “people detection out” event becauseperson 122 has crosseddetection line 124 in the out direction. On the other hand,person 126 does not generate a people detection event becauseperson 126 has not crosseddetection line 124. However, ifperson 126 has crossed thedetection line 124 in the “in” direction,person 126 causes a people detection event which in this case is a “people detection in” event. This advantageously provides a user ofEAS system 100 with the ability to configuresystem 100 so as to choose which conditions can cause a people detection event, and thereby cause the activation of theEAS transmitter 202. For example, when theEAS system 100 user, e.g., a retail store operator, does not want the activation of the EAS transmitter when aperson 126 crossespeople detection line 124 in the “in” direction, the user may define the crossing ofdetection line 124 in the “in” direction, as a non-detection event. In other words, the crossing ofpeople detection line 124 in the “in” direction is not in a transmission enablement direction. - In another embodiment, a single
EAS detection unit 102 is supplied that uses a transceiver 202 (FIG. 2 ) and a transceiver antenna 204 (FIG. 2 ) to establishdetection region 110 by producing the electromagnetic fields that are used to detect the presence of tags, such astags transceiver 202 andtransceiver antenna 204 also function to receive a disturbance in the produced electromagnetic field ofEAS detection unit 102. For example, althoughFIG. 2 showsEAS detection unit 102 deployed in a pedestal, thetransceiver 202 and/or thetransceiver antenna 204 or both can be deployed on a door that is located at astore exit 118. In this embodiment,transceiver antenna 204 radiates the appropriate electromagnetic or radio frequency field to produce thedetection region 110. - The processing of data and signals developed by the
EAS detection units EAS system 100, as well as interaction with thesensor system 120, is accomplished by acontroller 210 associated with theEAS system 100, that can be generally positioned within the transceivers/receivers controller 210 executes one or more processes associated with EAS applications.FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment ofcontroller 210 ofEAS detection units controller 210 is used to analyze detection data generated by thesensor system 120 and signals received by thereceiver 206 to determine the presence of atag 106 between theEAS detection units EAS system 100. Thecontroller 210 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operations ofEAS system 100 and may be, for example, a central processing unit (“CPU”), an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) or a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”). Thecontroller 210 also controls the activation or enablement of the transmitters, e.g.,transmitter 202, for all the various configurations ofEAS system 100. - The
controller 210 also controls various registers and counters such as people detection event registers and transmit timers, e.g., “TX_ON_Timer”, each of which relates to the operation ofEAS system 100. These registers and timers can be located incontroller 210 or in other memory ofEAS system 100 that is in communication withcontroller 210. AlthoughFIG. 2 illustrates asingle controller 210 inEAS system 100,multiple controllers 210 may be used according to particular implementation needs, and reference tocontroller 210 is meant to includemultiple controllers 210 where applicable. In this embodiment,transmitter 202 remains in a deactivated state, until it receives the transmit enable command signal from thecontroller 210. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate design of thecontroller 210 ofEAS detection units EAS system 100. In this embodiment, anEAS system controller 402 can perform EAS system operations, such as processing the signals received by thereceiver 206 to determine the presence of atag 106 between theEAS detection units EAS system 100. However, as illustrated, aseparate power controller 404 controls the activation or enablement of the transmitters, e.g.,transmitter 202. In this embodiment, thepower controller 404 controls the various registers and counters such as people detection event registers and transmit timers, e.g., “TX_ON_Timer”, each of which relates to the operation of thetransmitters 202 ofEAS system 100. In this embodiment,transmitter 202 remains in a deactivated state, until it receives the transmit enable command signal from thepower controller 404. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , a motion detector orpeople sensor 120 is illustrated mounted near the top of a store exit/entrance that is defined byEAS units sensor 120 is an infrared beam sensor, which defines thepeople detection line 124.People detection line 124 serves as an event trigger point to notifycontroller 210 to produce a people detection event when a person crosses thepeople detection line 124. The present invention further provides a means to determine the movement ofpeople detection region 110 viasensor system 120. For example, multiple sensors, e.g., 120A and 120B, ofsensor system 120 can create one or more people detection lines or points 124. As a person or object crosses each detection line, an event signal is generated and processed by thecontroller 210 to determine the relative direction of the person. -
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating anexemplary method 500 for power management ofEAS system 100 using asensor system 120.Exemplary method 500 is discussed with reference toEAS system 100, however, any other suitable system or portion of a system may use appropriate embodiments ofmethod 500 to retrieve and process EAS information to manage the power consumption ofEAS detection units EAS detection region 110. Generally,method 500 describes aperson 126 entering adetection region 110 and passing through a people detection line orpoint 124 to enable atransmitter 202 to transmit communication signals, e.g., interrogation signals, for a predetermined amount of time, such as the duration of a transmitter timer. -
Exemplary method 500 begins at step S502, where a determination is made as to whether a people detection event has occurred, such as when aperson 122 passes or crosses a people detection line orpoint 124. A people detection event can be defined to include all occurrences in which a person passes or crosses a people detection line orpoint 124, or it can be limited to include only those cases where the crossing of thepeople detection line 124 occurs in a certain direction, e.g., the “out” direction. In the illustrative example ofFIG. 1 ,persons valid detection region 114 ofdetection region 110. However,person 126 is shown located prior to thepeople detection line 124, whileperson 122 is shown having crossed thepeople detection line 124 in the “out” direction. In this example,person 122 causes a people detection event to occur which causes a people detection event flag to be set at step S504. If no people detection event is detected, then step S502 is repeated until a people detection event occurs. - At step S506, the people detection event causes a transmitter timer to be reset or cleared and then started. Next, a transmitter timer flag can be set at step S508. At step S510, a transmitter, e.g.,
transmitter 202, is enabled or activated to transmit or radiates the appropriate electromagnetic or radio frequency field to produce thedetection region 110. If the transmitter timer has expired, the transmitter is disabled (step S514), and the process returns to step S502 to wait for the next people detection event. Otherwise, if the transmitter timer has not expired, the transmitter remains enabled and continues to transmit its appropriate electromagnetic or radio frequency field. - Transmitter timer is a timer that provides a time period for transmitter operation that can be predetermined and defined by the EAS system user.
- The present invention advantageously provides and defines a comprehensive system and method for managing power consumption in an EAS system using people detection technologies such as infrared beam sensors.
- The present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. An implementation of the method and system of the present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computing system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system, or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein, is suited to perform the functions described herein.
- A typical combination of hardware and software could be a specialized or general-purpose computer system having one or more processing elements and a computer program stored on a storage medium that, when loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The present invention can also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which, when loaded in a computing system is able to carry out these methods. Storage medium refers to any volatile or non-volatile storage device.
- Computer program or application in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Significantly, this invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and accordingly, reference should be had to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
- It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and accordingly, reference should be had to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the of the invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/804,124 US20080284593A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2007-05-17 | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems |
CA002683095A CA2683095A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-16 | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems |
EP08754515A EP2147420A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-16 | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems |
PCT/US2008/006306 WO2008143987A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-16 | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems |
AU2008254532A AU2008254532A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-16 | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems |
CN200880016396A CN101681543A (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-16 | The method and system that is used for the power management of eas system |
JP2010508443A JP2010527485A (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2008-05-16 | Method and system for power management of electronic article monitoring system |
AU2012203358A AU2012203358A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2012-06-07 | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/804,124 US20080284593A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2007-05-17 | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080284593A1 true US20080284593A1 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
Family
ID=39717625
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/804,124 Abandoned US20080284593A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2007-05-17 | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080284593A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2147420A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2010527485A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101681543A (en) |
AU (2) | AU2008254532A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2683095A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008143987A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100052910A1 (en) * | 2008-02-22 | 2010-03-04 | Xiao Hui Yang | Control unit for an eas system |
WO2013009169A1 (en) * | 2011-07-14 | 2013-01-17 | Cross Point B.V. | Shoplifting detection system, assembly thereof and method for detecting shoplifting |
WO2014138288A1 (en) * | 2013-03-05 | 2014-09-12 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Facial recognition controlled access areas utilizing electronic article surveillance (east) system |
US9472075B1 (en) | 2015-06-04 | 2016-10-18 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Systems and methods for locating items in a facility |
US20160358440A1 (en) * | 2015-06-04 | 2016-12-08 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Systems and methods for locating and determining the orientation of a handheld device |
US9544551B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2017-01-10 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Store intelligence platform using proximity sensing |
US20220067391A1 (en) * | 2020-09-03 | 2022-03-03 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | System, method and storage medium for detecting people entering and leaving a field |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8199013B2 (en) * | 2008-08-12 | 2012-06-12 | Sensormatic Electronics, LLC | Metal detection system with integrated directional people counting system |
JP5319455B2 (en) * | 2009-08-19 | 2013-10-16 | 綜合警備保障株式会社 | Reader system, reader control device, and reader control method |
NL2006926C2 (en) * | 2011-02-24 | 2012-08-27 | Cross Point B V | COUNTING DEVICE, SYSTEM PROVIDED FOR THIS AND METHOD FOR THIS. |
FI125570B (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2015-11-30 | Mariella Labels Oy | An arrangement, system and method for reducing interference to radio frequencies in an electronic price tag system |
KR102531482B1 (en) * | 2014-08-05 | 2023-05-10 | 타이코 파이어 앤 시큐리티 게엠베하 | Systems and methods for adaptively controlling a transmitter field |
EP3834186B1 (en) * | 2018-08-06 | 2022-12-14 | Sensormatic Electronics, LLC | Pedestal with embedded camera(s) for beam steering |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5541585A (en) * | 1994-10-11 | 1996-07-30 | Stanley Home Automation | Security system for controlling building access |
US7113099B2 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2006-09-26 | Honeywell Internationakl, Inc. | Tracking, presence verification and locating features as part of a security system |
US7385525B2 (en) * | 2005-07-07 | 2008-06-10 | Mark Iv Industries Corporation | Dynamic timing adjustment in an electronic toll collection system |
US7397373B2 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2008-07-08 | Gatekeeper Systems (Hk) Limited | System and method for security and electronic article surveillance |
US7413124B2 (en) * | 2005-07-19 | 2008-08-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | RFID reader supporting one-touch search functionality |
US7482927B2 (en) * | 2006-01-05 | 2009-01-27 | Long Range Systems, Inc. | Surveillance and alerting system and method |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2744317C3 (en) | 1977-10-01 | 1980-07-17 | Hartmut Ing.(Grad.) 6791 Dittweiler Unruh | Locating device with pulsed zone transmitters and on the secondary transmitter of a - e.g. unauthorized sympathetic - object addressing receiver |
US5030941A (en) | 1989-12-27 | 1991-07-09 | Checkpoint Systems, Inc. | Electronic article surveillance system incorporating an auxiliary sensor |
US5353011A (en) * | 1993-01-04 | 1994-10-04 | Checkpoint Systems, Inc. | Electronic article security system with digital signal processing and increased detection range |
JPH11250358A (en) * | 1998-03-02 | 1999-09-17 | Takaya Corp | Shoplifting preventing device having automatic passing person number counter |
US6307473B1 (en) * | 1999-08-24 | 2001-10-23 | Sensormatic Electronics Corporation | Electronic article surveillance transmitter control using target range |
FR2807462B1 (en) | 2000-04-06 | 2003-06-20 | Valeo Electronique | SYSTEM FOR UNLOCKING OR OPENING A VEHICLE OPENING DEVICE (S), PARTICULARLY A MOTOR VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR A TRUNK OPENING SYSTEM |
DE10300573A1 (en) * | 2003-01-10 | 2004-07-22 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Device for locking and unlocking a vehicle door |
JP3737807B2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2006-01-25 | 東芝テック株式会社 | Wireless tag system controller |
US7161482B2 (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2007-01-09 | Sensormatic Electronics Corporation | Integrated electronic article surveillance and people counting system |
WO2005073929A1 (en) * | 2004-01-20 | 2005-08-11 | Harrow Products Llc | Access control system with energy-saving optical token presence sensor system |
NL1026951C2 (en) * | 2004-09-02 | 2006-03-09 | Nedap Nv | Electronic theft detection system, as well as a data processing system and a method for preventing theft of articles. |
-
2007
- 2007-05-17 US US11/804,124 patent/US20080284593A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2008
- 2008-05-16 JP JP2010508443A patent/JP2010527485A/en active Pending
- 2008-05-16 CA CA002683095A patent/CA2683095A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-05-16 CN CN200880016396A patent/CN101681543A/en active Pending
- 2008-05-16 EP EP08754515A patent/EP2147420A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-05-16 WO PCT/US2008/006306 patent/WO2008143987A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-05-16 AU AU2008254532A patent/AU2008254532A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-06-07 AU AU2012203358A patent/AU2012203358A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5541585A (en) * | 1994-10-11 | 1996-07-30 | Stanley Home Automation | Security system for controlling building access |
US7397373B2 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2008-07-08 | Gatekeeper Systems (Hk) Limited | System and method for security and electronic article surveillance |
US7113099B2 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2006-09-26 | Honeywell Internationakl, Inc. | Tracking, presence verification and locating features as part of a security system |
US7385525B2 (en) * | 2005-07-07 | 2008-06-10 | Mark Iv Industries Corporation | Dynamic timing adjustment in an electronic toll collection system |
US7413124B2 (en) * | 2005-07-19 | 2008-08-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | RFID reader supporting one-touch search functionality |
US7482927B2 (en) * | 2006-01-05 | 2009-01-27 | Long Range Systems, Inc. | Surveillance and alerting system and method |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100052910A1 (en) * | 2008-02-22 | 2010-03-04 | Xiao Hui Yang | Control unit for an eas system |
US8339264B2 (en) | 2008-02-22 | 2012-12-25 | Xiao Hui Yang | Control unit for an EAS system |
WO2013009169A1 (en) * | 2011-07-14 | 2013-01-17 | Cross Point B.V. | Shoplifting detection system, assembly thereof and method for detecting shoplifting |
WO2014138288A1 (en) * | 2013-03-05 | 2014-09-12 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Facial recognition controlled access areas utilizing electronic article surveillance (east) system |
US9460598B2 (en) | 2013-03-05 | 2016-10-04 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Facial recognition in controlled access areas utilizing electronic article surveillance (EAS) system |
US9544551B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2017-01-10 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Store intelligence platform using proximity sensing |
US9472075B1 (en) | 2015-06-04 | 2016-10-18 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Systems and methods for locating items in a facility |
US20160358440A1 (en) * | 2015-06-04 | 2016-12-08 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Systems and methods for locating and determining the orientation of a handheld device |
US10134253B2 (en) * | 2015-06-04 | 2018-11-20 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Systems and methods for locating and determining the orientation of a handheld device |
US20220067391A1 (en) * | 2020-09-03 | 2022-03-03 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | System, method and storage medium for detecting people entering and leaving a field |
US11587325B2 (en) * | 2020-09-03 | 2023-02-21 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | System, method and storage medium for detecting people entering and leaving a field |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2012203358A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
AU2008254532A1 (en) | 2008-11-27 |
JP2010527485A (en) | 2010-08-12 |
CA2683095A1 (en) | 2008-11-27 |
EP2147420A1 (en) | 2010-01-27 |
CN101681543A (en) | 2010-03-24 |
WO2008143987A1 (en) | 2008-11-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20080284593A1 (en) | Method and system for power management of electronic article surveillance systems | |
EP2165317B1 (en) | Comprehensive theft security system | |
US20080278320A1 (en) | Method and system for reduction of electronic article surveillance system false alarms | |
CA2714885C (en) | Electronic article surveillance system neural network minimizing false alarms and failures to deactivate | |
JP6039658B2 (en) | Video-enabled electronic article surveillance detection system and method | |
EP2543025B1 (en) | Method and system for reducing effect of interference in integrated metal detection/electronic article surveillance systems | |
RU2544796C2 (en) | Metal detection system with integrated directional people counting system | |
EP4097697A1 (en) | System and method for foil detection using millimeter wave for retail applications | |
AU2001259460B2 (en) | EAS system with wide exit coverage and reduced over-range | |
AU2001259460A1 (en) | EAS system with wide exit coverage and reduced over-range | |
US9472074B2 (en) | Security tag alerting for continuous movement | |
EP3347881B1 (en) | Systems and methods for variable detection based on traffic counter input | |
AU2012202590A1 (en) | Method and system for reduction of electronic article surveillance system false alarms | |
AU2013273749B2 (en) | Electronic article surveillance system neural network minimizing false alarms and failures to deactivate | |
JPH0348391A (en) | Space monitoring system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, FLORIDA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SOTO, MANUEL A.;BERGMAN, ADAM S.;ALLEN, JOHN A.;REEL/FRAME:019384/0840 Effective date: 20070515 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC,FLORIDA Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:024213/0049 Effective date: 20090922 Owner name: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC, FLORIDA Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:024213/0049 Effective date: 20090922 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |